We the People of the Caribbean Community, acting through the assembled representatives of our Governments;

RECALLING that the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community at their Special Meeting in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, in October 1992 adopted the recommendation of the West Indian Commission that a Charter of Civil Society for the Caribbean Community be subscribed to by Member States of the Community;

CONSCIOUS that the common historical, cultural and social bonds of the people of the Caribbean Community underpin the commitment of the Governments and peoples of Member States of the Community to this Charter;

DETERMINED:

• to enhance public confidence in governance, thereby reinforcing the loyalty of all the people;
  
• to ensure continuing respect for internationally recognised civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights;
  
• to uphold the right of people to make political choices;
  
• to create a truly participatory political environment within the Caribbean Community which will be propitious to genuine consultation in the process of governance;
  
• to promote, foster and maintain racial harmony;
  
• to uphold the principle of freedom of religion;
  
• to promote economic growth and sustainable development through the wise use of the human and natural resources;
  
• to attain economic and social justice and to pursue the goals of health, education and employment for all;
  
• to eliminate, as far as possible, social problems such as crime and the abuse of drugs and other substances;
  
• to enter the Twenty-First Century on the basis of the best possible governance and to achieve and sustain such governance by mobilising action for change;

DECLARE our resolve to pay due regard to the following principles by which our Governments commit themselves to respect and strengthen the fundamental elements of a civil society:

Previous Page  |  Next Page